3 businesses robbed on Near West Side, police say

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CHICAGO — Police issued a community alert Wednesday after three businesses were robbed on the Near West Side over the past week.

In each incident, a man entered a business and "aggressively approached the employees" before taking money and fleeing, according to the Chicago Police Department. In some cases, police said, the suspect implied he had a handgun. In at least one instance, he was seen loitering in front of the business.

The attacks happened:

about 12:40 p.m. Friday in the 900 block of West Randolph Street

about 7:40 p.m. Sunday in the 1000 block of West Lake Street

and about 5:30 a.m. Monday in the 900 block of West Washington Boulevard.

Police provided only a vague description of the suspect. They are asking employees of nearby businesses to keep doors locked prior to leaving and to report suspicious activity.